Nigeria has thrown its weight behind wide-ranging reform proposals within the African Union (AU), backing measures designed to strengthen peace and security governance, deepen democratic institutions and enhance collaboration with international financial bodies and the private sector.
President Bola Tinubu’s position was conveyed by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a closed session of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The reforms under consideration cover key thematic areas, including security coordination, sustainable development, continental integration and Africa’s global representation. Nigeria also expressed support for restructuring efforts aimed at improving domestic and regional resource mobilisation, expanding access to affordable development financing and promoting inclusive industrial policies that reduce inequality and create productive employment.
On maritime security and the fight against transnational organised crime, President Tinubu commended the AU Peace and Security Council for endorsing the Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea as a standby arrangement capable of delivering swift and coordinated responses across the region.
He pledged Nigeria’s full commitment to implementing its obligations in establishing the force and strengthening the African Union Standby Force.
“The proliferation of small arms and light weapons remain the greatest causes of armed conflict and violent extremism in our region. This is why our union must refocus its attention on curbing these trends.
“As the host of the headquarters of this taskforce, Nigeria will provide the necessary infrastructure including office facilities, ships, helicopters as well as temporary staff to ensure that the force remains effective. We remain committed to the full implementation of our own part of the agreement,” he stated.
Addressing the proposed review of membership criteria for the Peace and Security Council, the President said Nigeria associates “with the innovative proposal for the inclusion of a clause in relation to criteria for membership of the Peace and Security Council. As envisaged in Article 5 of the protocol establishing the Peace and Security Council, we also support the inclusion of modalities for cooperation between the African Union and its regional economic commissions and regional mechanism.
“It is our view that this is necessary to ensure predictability and effectiveness in our peace and security governance. We also agree on the imperative to strengthen coordination between the Peace and Security Council and the C-10 committee (Committee of 10 Heads of State and Government on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council), particularly at the ambassadorial level.”
On democratic governance, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for initiatives aimed at reinforcing democratic institutions across the continent. He praised the AU’s efforts in confronting unconstitutional changes of government and emphasised the importance of accountable leadership.
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He further announced Nigeria’s endorsement of the AU’s decision to reinstate Gabon and Guinea into the Union’s activities following the completion of their political transitions.
“Nigeria welcomes Gabon and Guinea back to our union after the completion of their political transitions. We call on other countries with protracted political transitions to follow the approach to return to the fold,” the President declared.
Turning to Africa’s critical mineral resources, Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s long-standing position:
“Africa’s mineral resources are strategic assets that should drive industrialization and structural transformation,”
He stressed the need for coordinated continental strategies to ensure mineral extraction supports domestic processing, manufacturing and technological advancement.
The President also called for regular briefings by African mining ministers to enhance transparency and accountability, adding that:
“Nigeria welcomes the G20 Ubuntu approaches on food security and supports responsible private sector participation across agricultural value chains.”
Heads of delegation from various AU member states also contributed to discussions on the reform agenda, signalling growing consensus around strengthening the Union’s institutional capacity and governance framework.
